Thomas Woodrow Downing

Thomas W. Downing, 97, formerly of 1507 Bacon Street, Pekin, but recently a resident of Autumn Accolade assisted living facility, passed away at 12:30 AM Wednesday, December 07, 2011. He was born October 3, 1914 in Lincoln, Illinois to Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Hurley) Downing.He moved to Pekin when he started high school and lived with his mother and stepfather, Finus McCabe. On December 31, 1937, he married June Keen in Pekin.After 64 years of marriage, she preceded him in death in May 2002. His parents, stepfather, and his sister, Irene, also preceded Mr. Downing in death. Mr. Downing is survived by one daughter, Jennie L. (Timothy) Sangalli of Pekin and one son, Bernard D. (Bonnie) Downing of Tucson, Arizona.Also surviving are five granddaughters;Cindy Link, Diana VanSomeren, Beth (Wolfgang) Seidel, Cheree Abbott, and Chelsee Downing and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Downing worked at the former Corn Products Refining Company for 40 years, retiring in 1974 as a supervisor in the Cerelose Division. He was a long time member of First Christian Church in Pekin where he served as a deacon for many years. He was also named'Deacon Emeritus'for his many years of service to his church. In years past, he enjoyed playing golf. Also in his younger years, he loved playing baseball and was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, December 9, 2011 at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin. Officiating will be Rev. Michael Roberts.Visitation will be from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directedto the First Christian Church,1201 Chestnut Street,Pekin, IL 61554. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Friday, December 9, 2011 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Service Friday, December 9, 2011 11:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554